I know CMC's a done deal, but since I intend to give it a thorough editing in the future, I'll include it in this thread, as well as make this a place for any other Heth questions not appropriate for the Silver Swan thread.

Comment:Imhiriel wrote: I have always imagined that it was Faramir who wanted to join the Rangers, maybe even against the wishes of Denethor. It strikes me as something that was maybe too much "dirty" work, and it was much more dangerous than being in the regular army, I assume. It strikes me as a a decision motivated by a wish for independence, either from the large shadow of his brother, or to be away from his father.

I think this is very possible. And it may also be simply because of his skill-set-unlike his brother, Faramir is an archer. And Una has established that he's also a damn good archer. Which is a little odd when you think about it-you don't get good with a longbow unless you start early and keep at it. Now while I can see why archery would appeal to Faramir-it is a martial skill that requires skill and concentration as opposed to brute force, the question niggles at me-who got him started in archery? And influenced him to the extent that he never gave it up? He doesn't strike me as someone who would enjoy hunting (remember the remark about not slaying man nor beast except at need?) and given the martial influences in his life, you would think he would have ended up a cavalry man, not an archer.

I wrote about him needing a new bow in The Best Gift of All because he was fourteen and would have been shooting for a number of years, but I still wonder who started him off. I'll cheerfully chuck this little beastie in Una's direction! (drop-kicks nuzgul across the Pond)

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